It’s official! We have named Terry Fontenot our next general manager. https://t.co/HKRAGlaOJE
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 19, 2021
This move was expected, but that doesn’t lessen its impact. The Atlanta Falcons announced Tuesday that Terry Fontenot will be their next general manager, ending his 17-year run with the New Orleans Saints front office. Fontenot climbed the ladder in New Orleans and most recently served as vice president of player personnel, as well as assistant general manager to Mickey Loomis. He’ll be replacing longtime Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff.
He predominately worked on the pro scouting side of the show, evaluating veteran free agents and players around the league that might interest the Saints. His work factored into the big personnel decisions — like signing All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis — as well as the more-mundane weekly tryouts in New Orleans. He’ll be missed.
Losing Fontenot to a division rival stings a little more, but it’s good to see him get this opportunity. He’s earned the shot at running his own team and calling his own shots, and he’ll get to do that once paired with first-year Falcons coach Arthur Smith. The Athletic’s Jeff Duncan reports that the Saints intend to replace Fontenot with a candidate already on staff, likely pro personnel scout Michael Parenton. College scouting director Jeff Ireland, the Saints’ other assistant general manager, is also expected to remain in New Orleans.
